That's a good way to put it. I think there's also an element of sacrifice if you're even at least trying to be a good parent. And I'm more and more convinced that sacrifice is the ultimate source of fulfillment, as counterintuitive as that might sound.

In my case it did make me happier day to day, and also waaaay more fulfilled. I wish I had kids earlier.

How old are your kids, if you don't mind me asking? I wonder if a lot of opposing and strong opinions in this thread are due to different parenting experiences at different ages (of parents and children). I've been a dad for almost six years now and I think that's long enough to say there are definitely different experiences at different years and stages of growth and development.

5 y/o but it's been good all the time, hope it goes on like this :)

This is my experience exactly. Very well stated.